The Anambra State government has moved to address the rising cost of house rent across the state, while also approving a regulatory clampdown on scrap metal dealers over increasing cases of vandalism and theft of public property.
The decision was reached at the meeting of the State Executive Council, also known as the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), held on Monday at the Government House, Awka.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said the council deliberated extensively on the need to regulate both the housing sector and scrap metal business in order to restore order and protect public infrastructure.
According to him, the council expressed concern over the rising cost of rent, which he said has led to increasing hardship among residents, particularly accommodation seekers.
He noted that the government is considering a comprehensive mass housing policy aimed at boosting housing supply, in collaboration with private sector investors, to address the widening housing deficit in the state.
“The council resolved to develop a mass housing policy to tackle the supply gap in the housing sector and to address the twin challenges of rising house rent and inadequate housing stock,” Mefor said.
On the scrap metal business, the commissioner said ANSEC observed that unregulated operations in the sector have contributed to increasing cases of theft and vandalism of public infrastructure across the state.
He said the government plans to introduce a new law that will regulate scrap dealers, including mandatory licensing and monitoring mechanisms to enhance surveillance and accountability.
“This is for purposes of monitoring and surveillance. The proposed legislation will require licensing of scrap dealers, including those dealing in scrapped vehicles. This follows increasing reported cases of vandalism and theft of public property in the state,” he explained.
Mefor further disclosed that the council also approved plans to involve professionals from universities in the state in the design, execution, and evaluation of government projects, describing the move as a step toward bridging the gap between academic theory and practical governance.
He added that ANSEC also resolved that companies bidding for government contracts must henceforth provide proof of tax compliance as part of pre-qualification requirements.
According to him, the policy is aimed at ensuring that only responsible corporate entities benefit from state projects while strengthening revenue accountability.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reforms that promote development, protect public assets, and improve the welfare of residents.
